Thousand Oaks Shooting

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A mass shooting took place at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. 13 people were killed at the scene, counting the perpetrator and a deputy police officer. The shooting was committed with a .45 caliber Glock 21 which, while legally purchased, was equipped with an illegal magazine extension. It should be noted that the perpetrator, Ian David Long had a history of mental issues. (Multiple law enforcement officials confirm they are reviewing posts the killer made on Instagram right before and/or during the shooting.) While it has been claimed that Long suffered from shell-shock (AKA PTSD) it is objectively premature to determine the mental issues through which Long underwent.

Given the almost monthly occurrence of tragedies like Thousand Oaks and Parkland, I have common ground with gun control advocates in that complacency can and has led to the downfall of society. With that said, the issue of gun control is far too multifarious to address with the axiom that guns are the issue. While the legislation in regards to guns is heavily debated in terms of efficiency and how criminals would break the law anyway (hence the illegal magazine extension) several things are factual when it comes to the debate:

Mental health is a legitimate issue and should not be sidelined for such trite as celebrity gossip or materialistic culture.

If guns are indeed to be discussed, familiarity with regards to gun specs as well as gun safety should be addressed and drilled into our minds like the day before yesterday.